Yesterday
The unlikely relationship between Russell Brand, Bear Grylls and God
Why would chief scout Grylls, a man with a flourishing global career, team up with the “cancelled” Brand – and risk harming his own squeaky-clean brand?
- Marianka Swain
This Month
How Anya Taylor-Joy morphed from chess nerd to action hero
Despite being the star of Furiosa, the actor’s status was cemented by a small role in another big film set in a desert.
- Kyle Buchanan
Opera Australia bets on musicals, property development as losses widen
Australia’s largest performing arts company will produce more musicals, and play more cannily with its property, as it tries to turn losses around.
- Michael Bailey
Audra McDonald brings Broadway brilliance to Sydney
Her voice a marvel of power, control and emotional connection, the musical theatre queen deserved the two standing ovations she got at the Opera House.
- Michael Bailey
How Kim Jong-un’s propaganda song conquered TikTok
“Friendly Father” is the first North Korean composition about the leader to go viral for its musicality.
- Harriet Barber
What Shane MacGowan told this rebellious folk band
Like a more political Pogues, Dundalk’s The Mary Wallopers have won acclaim for a rousing live show they bring to Australia this month.
- Michael Bailey
Australian Brandenburg Orchestra proves good things come in twos
A program heavy on duets, inspired by the twin mirrors of a kaleidoscope, was a thing of aural wonder.
- Michael Bailey
Why this actress is now the chief Gen Z torchbearer of cool
Zendaya’s films have earned $US2.6 billion so far, making the 27-year-old former Disney star a multimillionaire – and a social media favourite.
- Stephen Armstrong
April
Power play: Creator of The Crown crosses over to the Kremlin
Peter Morgan’s new work follows Vladimir Putin’s rise to the presidency and the Russian high-fliers who mistakenly thought he’d be their puppet.
- Maureen Dowd
Seven must-see shows in May
From the musical “Rent” to ballet with a tropical backdrop, here are performances you don’t want to miss this month.
- Michael Bailey
How Spotify beat the artist boycotts
Taylor Swift, Neil Young, Joni Mitchell and Thom Yorke have all pulled their music from the streaming giant. Eventually, all of them gave up.
- Ellen Pierson-Hagger
Rizzo steals the show in ‘Grease the Musical’
Step aside, Sandy – it was another Rydell High student who got the biggest response at Tuesday’s opening night in Sydney.
- Michael Bailey
March
What you need to know about buying K-Pop stocks
Thanks to acts such as BTS and Blackpink, the industry is now worth about $7.7 billion and growing, pushing up the shares of agencies and minting billionaires.
- Claire Ballentine
Seven must-see shows in April
From West Side Story’s Tony and Maria on Sydney Harbour to Tom Gleeson’s return to stand-up in Melbourne, entertainment options are hot next month.
- Michael Bailey
‘Shock the industry needs’: Splendour in the Grass cancelled
Spiralling costs and an over-saturation will lead to a “correction” after the music festival’s shock 2024 demise, according to one promoter.
- Michael Bailey
West Side Story makes a splash on Sydney Harbour
The new production proves Leonard Bernstein’s doubts over his legendary musical were misplaced.
- Michael Bailey
Adelaide’s ‘Mad March’ breaks attendance records
More people have visited Adelaide Festival this year than ever, although the cost-of-living crisis means free events have been favoured.
- Michael Bailey
Why this producer of Aussie musicals makes his sets in Britain
Tax rebates on up to 40 per cent of production costs incurred in the UK are driving investors away from backing Australian show-makers, the live performance industry claims.
- Michael Bailey
A play that will cut your complacency
Barrie Kosky’s production of The Threepenny Opera at the Adelaide Festival balances crooning and social commentary.
- Michael Bailey
This genius drummer puts on a show - with no drum solos
Yussef Dayes is a virtuoso with the sticks, but at this Sydney show he preferred to blend in with the band on his progressive jazz jams.
- Michael Bailey
